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Yelich steals 3 bases to post rare 40-30 season

Daniel Shirey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Christian Yelich is following up his 2018 MVP season with an even more impressive 2019.

The Milwaukee Brewers outfielder tallied his 30th steal of the campaign when he swiped his third bag of the game in the eighth inning Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. In doing so, he's now posted the 12th 40-homer, 30-steal season in MLB history.

Yelich, who came into Saturday with 44 homers and 27 steals, is the first player to go 40-30 since his teammate Ryan Braun did it for the Brewers in 2012.

Player Year Team HR SB
Hank Aaron 1963 Braves 44 31
Jose Canseco 1988 Athletics 42 40
Ellis Burks 1996 Rockies 40 32
Barry Bonds 1996 Giants 42 40
Larry Walker 1997 Rockies 49 33
Barry Bonds 1997 Giants 40 37
Jeff Bagwell 1997 Astros 43 31
Alex Rodriguez 1998 Mariners 42 46
Jeff Bagwell 1999 Astros 42 30
Alfonso Soriano 2006 Nationals 46 41
Ryan Braun 2012 Brewers 41 30
Christian Yelich 2019 Brewers 44 30

The 27-year-old also became the 42nd player to post a 30-30 season, and the second this year, joining Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. It's the fourth 30-30 season in Brewers history, joining Braun (2011 and '12), and Tommy Harper (1970).

If he can hit six more homers before season's end, Yelich will become the first player to post a 50-30 season.

Yelich entered Saturday leading the National League in on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS while ranking second in homers. He now sits third in the Senior Circuit in steals.

He ended his historic Saturday in style by lacing a walk-off double - No. 29 on the year - in the bottom of the ninth inning, leading the Brewers to a 3-2 win.

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